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Choosing a vendor How to tell if a business deserves your business Return to articles index | Advertiser directory | Vendor etiquette | Cape Fear Wedding Association As you begin planning your wedding, you’ll discover that many, many companies and individuals are competing to get your business. Elsewhere in this handbook, you’ll find specific advice tailored to each type of business. Here are some general principles that can help you to minimize surprises and ensure a good experience. Simply put, you should expect business people to act businesslike. So keep several basic questions in mind when considering any vendor. Is it easy to get somebody on the phone? If you get a recorded greeting, does it sound professional? When you leave a message, is it returned promptly? Beware of a rushed or hard-to-understand greeting, or a voice mailbox that has been allowed to fill up. Disorganization isn’t what you want on your wedding day. Do keep in mind that many wedding professionals, such as photographers and musicians, don’t keep scheduled business hours. They may have a “day job,” so may not be able to call you back until evening hours. And they may be hard to reach on weekends, because that is when most weddings are performed. Does the vendor do what he says he’ll do? If you’re promised a return telephone call, does he call? If you’re promised information by mail, does it arrive promptly? Few qualities are more important than reliability when you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime event. Can the vendor offer you references? You may want to speak to previous clients about their experiences. Can you “get it in writing”? For your protection, as well as the vendor’s, expect to see such essentials as price lists, descriptions of services, and most important, contracts, in hard-copy or printable electronic form. However, you may not be able to get a 100 percent firm price quote a year in advance. A caterer, for example, may not be able to predict his food costs precisely until closer to your wedding date. Legal standing Many wedding vendors are small businesses. Even the smallest, one-person operation should comply with licensing regulations, and collect and pay sales taxes when required. But sometimes, whether out of ignorance or to try to cut corners, a vendor may not meet the standards required of his more responsible competitors. If you have any doubts about vendor's legal standing, ask whether he has a federal tax ID number and a state privilege license. Every business must have a tax ID number (also called an employer ID), according to the IRS. And most businesses in North Carolina are required to have a state Privilege License and pay an annual fee ("franchise tax") to renew that license. A legitimate business should be happy to provide you with those numbers. It's also an excellent idea to know the specific legal entity you're doing business with. Your legal rights, and your ability to enforce a contract, may depend on whether the vendor is a sole proprietor, a partnership, a corporation, or an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation.) For tax reasons, most people in business have formed corporations or LLCs, which are chartered by the state. You can check a corporation's status online. This includes the most recent annual reports, which should include the corporation's current officers and legal address. Your comfort zone Most important, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. A wedding professional who wants your business should be friendly and welcoming, should have a positive attitude, and should welcome your questions. Return to articles index |
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